Saudi Arabia is known for many things, but theme parks aren’t one of them. Now, as part of the conservative Islamic kingdom’s drive to diversify its economy away from oil, the government has unveiled plans for an “entertainment city,” aimed at attracting tourist dollars and revamping its international image.
The massive project, which will span 207 square miles in Qiddiya, southwest of the capital Riyadh, joins a stream of multi-billion dollar projects that are part of the country’s “Vision 2030” reform initiative to attract investment, reduce its economic reliance on oil and create jobs.
The expansive “entertainment city,” funded mainly by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, would “rival Walt Disney” local media quoted Saudi officials as saying, and is set include high-end theme parks, safari grounds and motor sports facilities.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman will launch its construction on April 25, and it is planned for completion in 2022. Details regarding foreign investment and total cost have not yet been disclosed.
A national rebrand attempt
Numerous social and economic reforms are being implemented in Saudi Arabia […]
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/24/saudi-arabia-is-aiming-to-launch-its-own-rival-to-disney-parks.html
